The Tragedy of Lord George by Penhaligons

As you dive deeper into your love for fragrances, you often find yourself dabbling in niche perfumeries as they tend to be more captivating and unique. As I gazed across the landscape of niche juggernauts, I noticed myself peering at a collection of bottles with animals as caps. The tragedy of Lord George

I remember distinctively looking at a one with a broad, gold deer head that sat atop a fragrance. Without hesitation, I ran to Facebook in order to ask my fellow fragrance junkies about my “new” findings.

As it turns out, the Penhaligons Portrait series has been available for years! So I embarked on a journey that would see me research the living hell out of the series. Eventually, I landed on The Tragedy of Lord George.

It seemed to be the most popular fragrance in this collection and ultimately, the most readily available in Canada. As spending upwards of $350 CAD on a blind buy is not up my alley, I opted for a 5ml decant of the scent.

Eventually, my package came to my doorstep. I ran outside with the hopes of loving whatever was in my minuscule, yellow bundle of joy. I ripped open the package and sprayed the decant onto my hand …

Here is my honest review: It’s okay. But, I have a confession to make.

I’m a little bias.

I am not the biggest fan of Amber. The fragrance consists of four notes which are Amber, Tonka Bean, Brandy and Woodsy Notes. Amber projects very distinctively along with the Tonka and Brandy. The Woodsy accord plays second fiddle to the rest of the breakdown.

Penhaligons described the Tragedy of Lord George as “ … Noble patriarch, paragon of masculine elegance, Lord George welcomes with a scent of shaving soap and warming rum.” 

The scent is a dense, musky fougère that plays into the gentlemanly role very well. Penhaligons says that their portrait series is “a tribute to the good old English spirit: stiff upper lip, caustic humour, and a knack for provocation.”

The Tragedy of Lord George encapsulates this mission statement and leaves me begging to try more of the line. Although I’m not the biggest fan of Amber, I can appreciate the quality of the scent and how well the fragrance was blended and incorporated.

Personally, I find the note of Brandy to be misleading as Penhaligons markets the boozy note as rum, whilst I somehow identify amaretto. As well, it is a very unique and offbeat representation of a barbershop scent. I wish I could smell like this every time I got out of the chair.

Overall, the fragrance is a noble barbershop scent with copious amounts of robust booze and woodsy accords. The scent is crafted for gentlemen and those who enjoy smelling clean whilst emanating manhood.

The scent lasted about 8 hours on my skin over the few days I tested it with a moderate projection. I chose to wear the scent to work, out for dinner and for my day-to-day errands. I found that it fit best when worn day-to-day as it is a tad loud for work and isn’t the most romantic of scents.

My opinion on the scent is comprehensive. It is a great fragrance! Just it is not for me. If you are in the market for an Amber and Wood drove fougère with a neat bottle design, then The Tragedy of Lord George is for you.